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Academy Documents

Kindly access the Students' Policies & Forms by clicking on the button below. The following documents, among others, can be found there: Student Handbook, Student Code of Conduct, Students' Privacy Notice, Deferral, Suspension, and Cancellation Policy, Assignment Extension Policy, Re-Sit Policy, Complaints Procedure Policy, Equality Policy, and Student Disciplinary Policy.

Students' Policies & Forms

Online Sessions Link

To join the online sessions for this module, please click on the button below. If you are not already signed in to your Zoom account, you will be prompted to register your attendance. You will also need to enter the password provided below.

Join Session

Meeting ID: 972 9110 4743
Passcode: 229633

Please ensure that your name and surname appear as registered for the study programme, as this is essential for recording your attendance.

Lecture Schedule & Notes

Lecture notes will be available during the week following the respective lecture. Schedule dates are indicative and may change. All changes, if any, may be communicated via email, SMS or telephone calls.

Lecturer/s  

Dr Maria Ruth Ciantar

Lecture Summaries & Suggested Reading 

Lecture 1 - The Legal professions and the division of the Courts of Justice in Malta

• functions of the legal professions and understand the roles and responsibilities of notaries in the context of the Courts of Justice in Malta.
• division and functions of the Courts of Justice in Malta, enabling the learner to comprehend the judicial processes and provide informed guidance to the public.

Core Reading List

• CHAPTER 12 OF THE LAWS OF MALTA
• Attard, D., 2012. The Maltese Legal System Vol I and Vol II
• Aquilina, K., 1992. A profile of the Maltese Courts of Justice
• Borg, T. 2021. Maltese Administrative Law

Supplementary Reading List

• Aquilina, J., 1997. The Burden of Proof in the Civil Process.
• Farrugia, B., 2022. The Tender Years Doctrine and the Maltese Family Court.

Lecture 2 - The Legal Procurators and disqualification of a legal profession

• relevant qualifications and requirements for obtaining a warrant in the legal professions, considering causes of disqualification and ensuring adherence to professional standards.
• the admission process for Legal Procurators

Core Reading List

• CHAPTER 12 OF THE LAWS OF MALTA
• Attard, D., 2012. The Maltese Legal System Vol I and Vol II
• Aquilina, K., 1992. A profile of the Maltese Courts of Justice
• Borg, T. 2021. Maltese Administrative Law

Supplementary Reading List

• Aquilina, J., 1997. The Burden of Proof in the Civil Process.
• Farrugia, B., 2022. The Tender Years Doctrine and the Maltese Family Court.

Lecture 3 - Appointment of judicial assistant and the Oaths of allegiance and of office.

• appointment of judicial assistants, contributing to the efficient functioning of the Courts of Justice and enhancing the learner's comprehension of their roles and responsibilities.
• significance and requirements of the Oaths of allegiance and of office.

Core Reading List

• CHAPTER 12 OF THE LAWS OF MALTA
• Attard, D., 2012. The Maltese Legal System Vol I and Vol II
• Aquilina, K., 1992. A profile of the Maltese Courts of Justice
• Borg, T. 2021. Maltese Administrative Law

Supplementary Reading List

• Aquilina, J., 1997. The Burden of Proof in the Civil Process.
• Farrugia, B., 2022. The Tender Years Doctrine and the Maltese Family Court.

Lecture 4 - The division and functions of the Courts of Justice in Malta and eligibility criteria for practicing as a notary.

• division and functions of the Courts of Justice in Malta, and acquiring knowledge of the Courts’ roles in providing public and judiciary services and facilitating understanding of judicial processes.
• functions of legal professions within the context of the Courts of Justice, including the roles and responsibilities of notaries and the eligibility criteria for practicing as a notary.

Core Reading List

• CHAPTER 12 OF THE LAWS OF MALTA
• Attard, D., 2012. The Maltese Legal System Vol I and Vol II
• Aquilina, K., 1992. A profile of the Maltese Courts of Justice
• Borg, T. 2021. Maltese Administrative Law

Supplementary Reading List

• Aquilina, J., 1997. The Burden of Proof in the Civil Process.
• Farrugia, B., 2022. The Tender Years Doctrine and the Maltese Family Court.

Lecture 5 - Qualifications required for obtaining a warrant in the legal professions and impact of misconduct and illegal practices on the legal profession

• qualifications required for obtaining a warrant in the legal professions, identify causes of disqualification, and comprehend the implications of these factors within the Maltese Courts of Justice.
• impact of misconduct and illegal practices on the legal profession and the functioning of the Courts of Justice in Malta, developing awareness of the consequences and ethical considerations involved.

Core Reading List

• CHAPTER 12 OF THE LAWS OF MALTA
• Attard, D., 2012. The Maltese Legal System Vol I and Vol II
• Aquilina, K., 1992. A profile of the Maltese Courts of Justice
• Borg, T. 2021. Maltese Administrative Law

Supplementary Reading List

• Aquilina, J., 1997. The Burden of Proof in the Civil Process.
• Farrugia, B., 2022. The Tender Years Doctrine and the Maltese Family Court.

Lecture 6 - Appointment process of judicial assistants and the distinction between curators, advocates, or legal procurators ex officio and experts

• appointment process of judicial assistants, gaining insights into their roles and contributions to the effective functioning of the Courts of Justice in Malta.
• distinction between curators, advocates, or legal procurators ex officio and experts within the Courts of Malta and Gozo.

Core Reading List

• CHAPTER 12 OF THE LAWS OF MALTA
• Attard, D., 2012. The Maltese Legal System Vol I and Vol II
• Aquilina, K., 1992. A profile of the Maltese Courts of Justice
• Borg, T. 2021. Maltese Administrative Law

Supplementary Reading List

• Aquilina, J., 1997. The Burden of Proof in the Civil Process.
• Farrugia, B., 2022. The Tender Years Doctrine and the Maltese Family Court.

Lecture 7 - Superior and Inferior Courts

• knowledge regarding the disparities between the Jurisdiction of superior and inferior courts.
• distribution of duties of judges.

Core Reading List

• CHAPTER 12 OF THE LAWS OF MALTA
• Attard, D., 2012. The Maltese Legal System Vol I and Vol II
• Aquilina, K., 1992. A profile of the Maltese Courts of Justice
• Borg, T. 2021. Maltese Administrative Law

Supplementary Reading List

• Aquilina, J., 1997. The Burden of Proof in the Civil Process.
• Farrugia, B., 2022. The Tender Years Doctrine and the Maltese Family Court.

Lecture 8 - Judicial processes within the Courts of Justice in Malta.

• clear and basic instructions to assist the public.
• judicial processes within the Courts of Justice in Malta.

Core Reading List

• CHAPTER 12 OF THE LAWS OF MALTA
• Attard, D., 2012. The Maltese Legal System Vol I and Vol II
• Aquilina, K., 1992. A profile of the Maltese Courts of Justice
• Borg, T. 2021. Maltese Administrative Law

Supplementary Reading List

• Aquilina, J., 1997. The Burden of Proof in the Civil Process.
• Farrugia, B., 2022. The Tender Years Doctrine and the Maltese Family Court.

Lecture 9 - Construction of well-structured documents, such as reports or guides, that explain the functions of legal professions, duties of notaries

• division and functions of the Courts of Justice, creating a comprehensive overview for easy comprehension.
• construction of well-structured documents, such as reports or guides, that explain the functions of legal professions, duties of notaries, and qualifications required for practicing as a notary in Malta.

Core Reading List

• CHAPTER 12 OF THE LAWS OF MALTA
• Attard, D., 2012. The Maltese Legal System Vol I and Vol II
• Aquilina, K., 1992. A profile of the Maltese Courts of Justice
• Borg, T. 2021. Maltese Administrative Law

Supplementary Reading List

• Aquilina, J., 1997. The Burden of Proof in the Civil Process.
• Farrugia, B., 2022. The Tender Years Doctrine and the Maltese Family Court.

Lecture 10 - Court Structure, Legal Bodies and Professions

• knowledge base by simplifying complex legal concepts and practices, allowing for better understanding and engagement with the module content.
• revision of all of the module

Core Reading List

• CHAPTER 12 OF THE LAWS OF MALTA
• Attard, D., 2012. The Maltese Legal System Vol I and Vol II
• Aquilina, K., 1992. A profile of the Maltese Courts of Justice
• Borg, T. 2021. Maltese Administrative Law

Supplementary Reading List

• Aquilina, J., 1997. The Burden of Proof in the Civil Process.
• Farrugia, B., 2022. The Tender Years Doctrine and the Maltese Family Court.

Methods of Assessment

There will be one in class group quiz after the last lecture on Friday, 17 December, 2026, at 17:30 hrs. Information on how this will be carried out may be obtained by clicking on the button below. The Quiz will carry 20% of the final score.

Quiz Notes

For your final assignment, you have to choose 1 out of the 3 questions which will be made available in the Assignment Submission form which will be uoploaded below at a later date. The assignment should be submitted by not later than Thursday, 29 January 2027. The assignment has to be submitted together with the Assignment Submission Form. The assignment will carry 80% of the final score.

Assignment

You are required to choose one of the three questions available in the Assignment Submission Form made available by clicking the button below. The assignment must be submitted no later than Thursday, 29 January 2027, along with the Assignment Submission Form. Please ensure that you indicate the question you have addressed on the Assignment Submission Form.

The Assignment Submission Form will be made available here at a later date.

For guidance on how to plan, draft, and submit your assignment, please refer to the 21 Academy presentation on Writing and Submitting Your Assignment by clicking the button below.

Writing and Submitting Your Assignment

We are also providing the 21 Academy's Assignments Rubric for your reference. This rubric is a performance-based assessment tool that tutors will use for grading, and it will help you understand the requirements of the assignment and how it will be assessed.

Assignments Rubric

For referencing purposes, please use the OSCOLA Referencing Guide available by clicking the button below.

OSCOLA Referencing Guide

Submitting Assignments - Turnitin

The Academy will notify you via email when the assignment questions become available. Shortly after, you will receive another email from Turnitin, likely on the same day, confirming your enrolment in a "class" where you can upload your assignment(s).

Please ensure that your assignments are submitted no later than 23:59 on the assignment submission deadline, as indicated on the Assignment Submission form or in the Turnitin "class."

At 21 Academy, you have the option to submit multiple drafts before the final submission deadline. The version uploaded at the deadline will be treated as your final submission for assessment.

Assignment Preparation and Submission Instructions

All students must follow the procedure below when preparing and submitting assignments. Please read these instructions carefully to ensure that your assignment is completed, formatted and submitted correctly.

1. Write Your Assignment Using Turnitin Clarity

You must write and complete your assignment using Turnitin Clarity. All drafting and development of your assignment must take place within this platform.

For guidance, watch the following video:

Clarity for Students

Ensure that you click Submit to complete the required submission process.

2. Transfer Your Completed Assignment to Microsoft Word

Once you have finalised your assignment in Turnitin Clarity:

1. Copy the complete text of your final draft.
2. Paste it into a Microsoft Word document.

3. Format Your Assignment in Microsoft Word

Use Microsoft Word to only format your assignment in accordance with the official Assignment Guidelines.

Ensure that you include the following, where applicable:

• Submission form: Complete the submission form and tick the question you are answering.
• Cover page: Add the required cover page.
• Table of contents: Include a contents page where required.
• Headings and subheadings: Format these appropriately.
• Document layout: Apply the required font, font size, line spacing and margins.
• Page numbering and referencing: Ensure that these are correct and consistent.
• Refernce List on a fresh page
• Final checks: Verify that the assignment meets all the requirements specified in the Assignment Guidelines.

Refer to the official guidelines here:

Assignment Submission Guidelines

Important: Microsoft Word should be used for formatting and presentation purposes only. Do not add, remove or substantively change any assignment content after completing your work in Turnitin Clarity. If you do please make sure that these changes are also made on Turnitin Clarity and resubmit.

4. Submit Your Assignment Through Turnitin Standard As Well

Once you have completed the formatting, upload your final document to the relevant Turnitin Standard assignment submission area.

This is the formally submitted version that will be forwarded to the assessor.

File naming convention

Your file must be named using your full name followed by the question number answered.

For example: Joseph Borg Q3

Before uploading, check that your document is complete, correctly formatted and saved under the required file name.

5. Important Rules for Turnitin Standard Submissions

Please observe the following submission rules:

• Multiple drafts: You may submit multiple drafts before the final submission deadline.
• Final submission: The version uploaded at the submission deadline will be treated as your final assignment for assessment.
• 24-hour restriction: Turnitin evaluates the same assignment twice within a 24-hour period. Any additional submission made during this period will not be reviewed until the 24-hour period has elapsed. Plan your submissions accordingly.
• Similarity threshold: Your final submission must not exceed 20% similarity. Pay particular attention to the use of direct quotations and ensure that all sources are properly acknowledged.

6. Consistency Between Turnitin Clarity and Turnitin Standard

Both the version in Turnitin Clarity and the version uploaded to Turnitin Standard will be used for assessment purposes.

It is therefore essential that the assignment text in both versions is identical.

The only differences should relate to formatting and presentation, such as the submission form, cover page, table of contents, headings, page numbering and overall document layout.

Do not introduce new content, remove existing content or make substantive changes to the assignment in Microsoft Word after completing it in Turnitin Clarity. If you do, please update the version on Turnitin Clarity and resubmjit from there too.

Final Checklist

Before considering your assignment complete, ensure that you have:

• Written and completed the assignment in Turnitin Clarity.
• Clicked Submit in Turnitin Clarity.
• Copied the final assignment into Microsoft Word.
• Formatted the document in accordance with the Assignment Guidelines.
• Completed the submission form and ticked the relevant question.
• Checked the assignment's content against the version in Turnitin Clarity.
• Confirmed that the similarity score does not exceed 20%.
• Saved the file using the correct naming convention.
• Uploaded the final, formatted document to Turnitin Standard before the deadline.

Please note: Failure to follow these instructions may affect the assessment process. Students are responsible for ensuring that both versions are consistent and that the final assignment is submitted correctly and on time.

Follow this very short video to understand how to submit your assignment through Turnitin - Submitting a Paper

To understand the similarity report generated by Turnitin follow this 1 minute video - Understanding the Similarity Report

Referencing Style

Law students should use the OSCOLA referencing style, as it is the standard citation system for legal writing in Malta. It ensures consistency, accuracy, and clarity when referencing legal sources, which is essential for academic and professional work. The video below provides detailed guidance on how to reference using OSCOLA. Please also refer to the OSCOLA Referencing Guide by clicking the button below.

OSCOLA Referencing Guide